To Encourage Intentional Leadership in Matters of Religious Freedom

RESOLUTION 14-01

Overtures 14-02, 14-06, 14-19–20 (CW, pp. 465–66, 472–73)

Preamble

As Lutheran Christians, we have always followed Scripture’s lead in recognizing government as a good and God12 ordained part of God’s created order (Rom. 13:1−7). We have followed Paul’s apostolic mandate in offering prayers and other support for “our leaders and all in authority” so that, living in a peaceful and well-ordered society, we might share the Gospel freely. We have understood this ordering to be “pleasing to God, who wants all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Tim. 2:2). Historically we have been deferential to the authority of our elected and appointed governmental officials acting in their proper sphere of influence (kingdom of the left), even as they have been deferential to the church in its proper sphere (kingdom of the right). In the context of the American public square, we have exercised restraint. Even in those rare instances where we have felt such efforts to be necessary, we have preferred to do so almost exclusively through the independent political activity of our individual members as they exercise their vocation as citizens.

In recent years, two significant changes have occurred. The first is that the culture has become more secularized. As a result many policy makers and leaders resist hearing the voice of the church at large. Secondly we are witnessing a structural change in the means of how our government develops public policy. Vague laws have given more opportunity to the executive branches of all levels of government to interpret legislative intent and create law by means of executive authority. Consequently, we are seeing more decisions that encroach on the sphere of the church and other mediating institutions of society, especially the family. In response to these changes, we offer the following resolution.

Proposed Action

WHEREAS, The religious freedom our forbearers sought and enjoyed is under assault and being eroded; and

WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) sees an opportunity for a uniquely Lutheran response to increasing intrusions, limitations and challenges by the government in the life of the Church; and

WHEREAS, These conflicts are making it increasingly difficult for the church to give a clear and unfettered witness to the words of law and gospel that she is called to proclaim; and

WHEREAS, The church is finding it increasingly difficult to carry out the acts of love and mercy which are also her calling; and

WHEREAS, the “Free to Be Faithful” campaign educates and motivates rostered workers and laity to take informed action in defense of one-man/one-woman marriage, the sanctity of life, and religious liberty; and

WHEREAS, The Lutheran Center for Religious Liberty (LCRL) will create a direct presence for the LCMS in the nation’s capital that will enable the church to:

• engage federal and state officials through advocacy and defensive legal strategies
• educate future generations about serving God through vocations in government, law, and public policy
• connect with Lutherans involved in government affairs. Where the government, the culture and faith conflict, Lutherans can and must speak up and out in support of religious liberty

therefore be it

Resolved, That the LCMS in convention encourage districts, congregations, and members 1 to pray for the country, president, and public officials; and be it further

Resolved, That the LCMS in convention commend the work of the “Free to be Faithful” campaign and the LCRL; and be it further

Resolved, That the LCMS in convention encourage districts, congregations, and members to access and distribute information and materials available at their Website (www.lcms.org/freetobefaithful); and be it finally

Resolved, That the LCMS in convention encourage districts, congregations, and members to provide financial resources to support the LCRL.

Enter Your Comment or Opinion

EXPLANATION OF SCORING MECHANISM

The scores for each Resolution are an attempt to predict which resolutions are likely to attract the most attention at the upcoming convention.

SCORE RANGE: 1-5, where 1 = low and 5 = high

SCORING CATEGORIES
L = Likelihood of adoption. For example, Commendation Resolutions are usually easy to pass, so would score 5.
S = Strengthens Doctrine & Practice. Is the Resolution faithful to Scripture and our Confessions? Does it entrench them?
F = Strengthens Walking in Fellowship. Does the Resolution enhance Synodical values?
P = Synod Priority. What is the priority of the Resolution for the Synod, especially with reference to S&F above?
X = Executable. Does the Resolution have a realistic goal? Can it be achieved with measurable results?

SCORE
The final score is based on weightings (see below). A low score means the Resolution is likely a pro-forma matter. A high value means it is likely to be contested.